US Senate proposes auto fuel plan

Automakers would be required to ensure their range of vehicles on US roads average at least 35 miles per gallon by 2020, according to proposed legislation.

05 May 2007

Automakers would be required to ensure their range of cars, sport utility vehicles, and pickups on US roads average at least 35 miles per gallon by 2020, according to Senate legislation proposed on Friday.

The compromise measure to improve fuel economy by roughly 4 per cent annually - sold on Capitol Hill as a response to soaring gas prices and as a way to reduce US dependence on foreign oil - also seeks similar gains beyond 2020.

The incremental improvements hinge on whether regulators determine they are technologically feasible and would not hurt manufacturers financially.